Newark woman admits tossing dog into traffic over dispute

NEWARK — A New Jersey woman has admitted killing her neighbor's small dog by throwing it into traffic during an argument over a parking space.

The Star-Ledger of Newark reports that 27-year-old Haniyyah Barnes, of Newark, pleaded guilty Tuesday to breaking into her neighbor's home in August 2011, grabbing the 2-year-old Shih Tzu named Honey Bey and throwing her into oncoming traffic. The dog was struck by a vehicle and killed.

She pleaded guilty to burglary, animal cruelty and theft charges and Essex County prosecutors will recommend that she receive a six-year state prison term when she's sentenced July 14. Barnes also would have to pay up to $2,600 in restitution and would be barred from owning, buying or living with animals for 10 years.

Barnes also will have to participate in anger management and drug and alcohol counseling.

A Newark police officer who was sitting in a patrol vehicle saw what happened and immediately arrested Barnes, who acknowledged in court that the neighbor had followed her outside, begging her to stop and not hurt the dog.

"It was a horrific crime and I think the punishment reflects that," Essex County Assistant Prosecutor Michele Miller told the newspaper after the hearing. "She broke into someone's home and killed their dog and they watched it happen. Not too many things are more disturbing than that."